Consultant oncologist Tolu Adebayo has called on Nigerians to prioritize early screening and adopt healthier diets to combat the rising incidence of colon cancer and enhance treatment outcomes. Speaking at the State Hospital in Iwo, Osun, on Thursday, Adebayo noted that the disease is increasingly affecting adults under the age of 50, often due to lifestyle choices and late diagnosis. He highlighted that many patients arrive at hospitals only after the cancer has reached advanced stages, making treatment more challenging.
Read More
Adebayo observed a troubling trend where individuals in their 30s and 40s are presenting with symptoms such as blood in the stool, persistent changes in bowel habits, and abdominal pain, often after ignoring these early warning signs for too long. Key risk factors he mentioned include family history, a low-fiber diet, obesity, smoking, excessive alcohol consumption, and a sedentary lifestyle.
He warned that diets high in red meat and processed foods lacking in vegetables and fruits pose significant risks for colon cancer. "Our colon requires fiber from sources like jute leaves (ewedu), okra, beans, and fruits," he emphasized.
Adebayo recounted the case of 47-year-old trader Risikat Olayemi, who was diagnosed with stage three cancer after neglecting symptoms for two years, mistakenly believing she had piles. By the time she sought treatment, extensive procedures, including surgery and chemotherapy, were necessary. "Early detection could have simplified her treatment," he remarked.
He recommended that Nigerians aged 45 and older undergo colonoscopy screenings, particularly if they have a family history of cancer or other risk factors. Adebayo urged individuals to consult healthcare professionals promptly when symptoms arise.
To further prevent colon cancer, he suggested incorporating at least 30 minutes of exercise three times a week, limiting alcohol consumption, and avoiding smoking, while maintaining a diet rich in vegetables, fruits, legumes, and whole grains. "Prevention is straightforward. Eat fiber, exercise, stop smoking, and do not hesitate to see a doctor. Colon cancer is treatable if caught early," he advised. Adebayo encouraged open discussions about bowel health, asserting the importance of early detection and treatment.